CHULA VISTA, Calif. - A Navy veteran woke up to a disturbing sight outside of his Chula Vista home: a vandal traced obscenities and a racial slur on his cars.
On Saturday morning, Rickie Atkins went to the street and his heart sank. His family's two cars -- Acura and BMW sedans -- parked along Glenwood Springs Avenue were caked in a chalky film. The source of the dust was two spent fire extinguishers left near the cars.
"It was upsetting. I was not happy," said Atkins.
Atkins was even less happy when he saw what was written in the dust -- obscenities and the N-word, along with OHS, which stands for nearby Olympian High School.
Both his daughter and son attend the high school.
"My son was pretty angry," said Atkins.
Atkins tried to tone down the reaction, believing the words were written by kids being stupid. However, he knows well the history and power of the word, and so does his son.
"That would charge his emotion because that's what would charge mine. I wouldn't let someone say that to my face without a reaction," said Atkins.
The vandal didn't stick around for that reaction.
In mid-March, police spoke about an ongoing concern -- a series of arrests and other cases linking Olympian High and other high school students in thefts, vandalism and burglaries.
"I truly hope they find those responsible for my vandalism because they need to be taught a lesson. This is not right," said Atkins.
The vandalism caused paint damage and hundreds of dollars in repairs.
Anyone with tips should call Crime Stoppers at 888-580-8477 or 619-422-TIPS, or visit the Help Us Solve A Crime page on the city of Chula Vista website.
